KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has constituted a Judicial Commission to investigate the situation in Thar in the wake of continuing deaths of children because of malnutrition and waterborne diseases. The two-member commission headed by Justice retired Ghulam Sawar Korai has been tasked to complete its inquiry in 15 days.

Latest reports from Thar put the death toll of children at 173 since Jan 1 because of waterborne diseases and malnutrition.

Taking notice of media reports, the chief minister said the government had taken practical measure for poverty alleviation in Thar.

“I have improved health services, upgraded basic health units, dispensaries and taluka hospitals by providing equipment and have doubled the budget for medicines.”

Despite that, Mr Shah said, media reports were saying that infants’ deaths were on the rise. He directed Chief Secretary Siddique Memon to constitute a Judicial Commission, headed by Justice retired Ghulam Sarwar Korai, and retired District and Sessions Judge Arjun Ram as member to investigate the situation.

The commission will look into reasons for children’s death, impact of measures taken by the government, point out shortfall in efforts/policy within 15 days and suggest measures for improvement.

The commission will start its work on Monday.

Published in Dawn, February 8th, 2016